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SEATTLE - Taylor Barton's first start for No. 10 Washington couldn't
get much bigger than this.

The Huskies' backup quarterback is likely to start in place of injured Cody
Pickett when Washington plays No. 7 UCLA on Saturday at the Rose Bowl in a
battle of Pac-10 unbeatens.

"Taylor Barton got a chance to compete in a big-time college football game,
and he could have another chance this weekend," coach Rick Neuheisel said
Monday.

Pickett is listed as doubtful for the UCLA game with a separated right
shoulder, but will be able to hold on kicks, Neuheisel said.

Barton has shown he can lead Washington (4-0, 2-0 Pac-10) to victory. After
Pickett was injured in the second quarter against Southern Cal last weekend,
Barton led the Huskies to a last-second 27-24 victory.

It was the Huskies' third fourth-quarter comeback win this season.
Washington also came from behind to win in the final quarter five times in
last year's Rose Bowl season.

Barton completed 11 of 20 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Even if
Barton leads Washington to another victory, Neuheisel stressed that Pickett
remains the starter, assuming he's healthy.

No matter who's directing the offense, it will be tough duty. UCLA's defense
is allowing only 11.8 points per game, which is sixth-lowest in the country.
The Bruins (4-0, 1-0 Pac-10) have speed, depth and experience, not to
mention a new defensive coordinator in Phil Snow.

"They're playing really well and they're playing inspired," Neuheisel said
of the Bruins' defense.

Neuheisel originally recruited Barton to Colorado in 1998 before taking the
Washington job. Barton used to come into Neuheisel's office every Saturday
in Boulder, Colo., to find out which recruits were in town so he could
welcome them.

Barton impressed Neuheisel from the beginning with his football mind.

"He's a gym rat around football," Neuheisel said.

Barton transferred to City College of San Francisco last year, then to
Washington.

"It's certainly a wakeup call to our defensive front that we've got to stop
the run to stay in the conference race," Neuheisel said.

McCullough carried a career-high 32 times for USC in last Saturday's game.
Neuheisel expects Foster to have at least as many rushes. Foster is tied for
22nd in the nation in all-purpose yards with 139.5 per game, and leads the
Pac-10 in rushing with 128 yards a game.

While Neuheisel is emphasizing stopping the run, he said Washington's
running game must get on track. Willie Hurst, coming back from a hamstring
injury, made strides against USC with 19 carries for 102 yards.

"Our plan is we've got to find a way to run the football and take time off
the clock," Neuheisel said.

Notes: Starting UCLA quarterback Cory Paus is the older brother of
Washington freshman Casey Paus. "His mom and dad will be at the game,"
Neuheisel said of his reserve QB. "It'll be interesting to see how they
dress for the game." ... Cornerback Omare Lowe is nursing a sore shoulder,
but will be ready to play, Neuheisel said. ... Neuheisel was pleased with
the play of Zach Tuiasosopo as replacement to outside linebacker Kai Ellis
against USC. Ellis is out for at least another week with torn cartilage in
both knees. Tuiasosopo, the younger brother of former quarterback Marques
Tuiasosopo, was second in tackles with nine against the Trojans.